Massage device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A massage device that includes a housing, an electrical input, a motor, a switch in electrical communication with the electrical input and the motor and configured to selectively provide power from the electrical input to the motor, an actuated output operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor, and a treatment structure operatively connected to a distal end of the actuated output. The actuated output is configured to reciprocate the treatment structure at a frequency of between about 15 Hz and about 100 Hz, and at an amplitude of between about 0.15 and about 1.0 inches. The combination of amplitude and frequency provides efficient reciprocation of the treatment structure such that the treatment structure provides therapeutically beneficial treatment to a targeted muscle of a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/458,920, filed on Mar. 14, 2017, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/186,859,filed on Jun. 20, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/182,525, filed on Jun. 20, 2015, each of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to massage devices and moreparticularly to a massage device that provides reciprocating motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Massage devices often provide ineffective massages that are superficialand do not provide any real benefit. Accordingly, there is a need for animproved massage device.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a massage device that includes a housing, an electrical input,a motor, a switch in electrical communication with the electrical inputand the motor and configured to selectively provide power from theelectrical input to the motor, an actuated output operatively connectedto the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation ofthe motor, and a treatment structure operatively connected to a distalend of the actuated output. The actuated output is configured toreciprocate the treatment structure at a frequency of between about 15Hz and about 100 Hz, and at an amplitude of between about 0.15 and about1.0 inches. The combination of amplitude and frequency providesefficient reciprocation of the treatment structure such that thetreatment structure provides therapeutically beneficial treatment to atargeted muscle of a user.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuated output is configured toreciprocate the treatment structure at a frequency of between about 25Hz and about 48 Hz, and at an amplitude of between about 0.23 and about0.70 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the actuated output isconfigured to reciprocate the treatment structure at a frequency ofbetween about 33 Hz and about 42 Hz, and at an amplitude of betweenabout 0.35 and about 0.65 inches.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor is configured to rotate a shafthaving a shaft gear thereon about a shaft rotation axis. The housingincludes a gear member disposed therein that is operatively engaged withthe shaft gear and rotates about a gear rotation axis. The actuatedoutput is operatively connected to the gear member, and the rotationalmotion of the shaft is converted to reciprocating motion of the actuatedoutput through the engagement of the shaft gear and the gear member.Preferably, the gear rotation axis is perpendicular to the shaftrotation axis and an eccentric interface is disposed on the gear memberat a location other than the gear rotation axis. Preferably, the devicefurther includes a reciprocator shaft operatively connected to theeccentric interface, and a containment member. A head of thereciprocator shaft is contained by the containment member to restrictmotion of the reciprocator shaft to a linear motion that isperpendicular to the gear rotation axis. In a preferred embodiment, thegear member comprises a counterweight disposed on the gear member, andthe center of mass of the counterweight is not on the gear rotationaxis. Preferably, the head of the reciprocator shaft includes anelongated opening therein, the eccentric interface includes a pin, andthe pin is configured to move within the elongated opening as the gearmember rotates.

In a preferred embodiment, the massage device includes a rotationhousing. The main housing includes a rotation space defined therein. Therotation housing includes a main body portion disposed in the housingand an arm portion extending through the rotation space and outside thehousing, wherein the actuated output extends outwardly from the armportion, and the rotation housing can rotate within the rotation spacebetween a plurality of positions. Preferably, the massage deviceincludes a button extending outwardly from the housing that is movablebetween a first position and a second position. The button includes aplurality of teeth members. The housing includes a plurality of firstteeth spaces defined therein and the rotation housing includes aplurality of second teeth spaces defined therein. When the button is inthe first position the teeth members engage the first teeth spaces andthe rotation housing cannot rotate. When the button is in the secondposition (when it is pressed in and overcomes the spring bias) the teethmembers engage the second teeth spaces and the rotation housing canrotate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a reciprocating treatment device that includes a housing, ahandle disposed on the housing, the handle having a handle axis, a motordisposed in the housing, and an actuated output operably connected tothe motor. The actuated output is configured to reciprocate in responseto activation of the motor. The reciprocation is along a reciprocationaxis. The motor includes a shaft having a shaft rotation axis, and theshaft rotation axis lies in a plane defined by the handle axis and thereciprocation axis (they are all coplanar).

In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating treatment device includes agearbox to convert rotary motion from the shaft to reciprocal motion atthe actuated output. Preferably, the gearbox includes a gear memberhaving a gear rotation axis perpendicular to the shaft rotation axis,and an eccentric interface disposed on the gear at a location other thanthe gear rotation axis. The device also includes a reciprocator shaftoperatively connected to the eccentric interface, and a reciprocatorinterface configured to restrict linear motion of the reciprocator shaftto a direction parallel to the reciprocation axis and perpendicular tothe gear rotation axis. The gear member preferably includes acounterweight disposed on the gear member. The center of mass of thecounterweight is not on the gear rotation axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight has a mass similar to thecomponents of the reciprocating treatment device that reciprocate alongthe reciprocation axis. Preferably, the counterweight has a mass between45 grams and 55 grams. In a preferred embodiment, the gearbox isconnected to a compliant dampening block and the compliant dampeningblock is connected to the housing. Preferably, the compliant dampeningblock comprises a polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft isoperably connected with the gearbox through a compliant shaft damper.

An embodiment provides a reciprocal treatment device. The reciprocaltreatment device includes a housing, a motor connected to the housing,and an actuated output. The housing includes a handle located on thehousing. The handle has a handle axis. The actuated output is operablyconnected to the motor. The actuated output is configured to reciprocatein response to activation of the motor. Reciprocation of the actuatedoutput is along a reciprocation axis. The motor includes a shaft havinga shaft rotation axis. The shaft rotation axis is parallel to a plane inwhich the handle axis and the reciprocation axis are located. Otherembodiments of a reciprocal treatment device are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a cutaway side view of one embodiment of a reciprocatingtreatment device;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the reciprocatingtreatment device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict perspective views of embodiments of actuationcomponents the reciprocating treatment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of one embodiment of actuation components ofthe reciprocating treatment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart diagram showing one embodiment of a method ofmanufacture of the reciprocating treatment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart diagram showing one embodiment of a method ofuse of the reciprocating treatment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a reciprocating treatment device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the reciprocating treatment device ofFIG. 7 with a portion of the housing removed to show the motor andactuation components;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the reciprocatingtreatment device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the motor and actuation componentsof the reciprocating treatment device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11A depicts the reciprocator shaft in the extended position;

FIG. 11B depicts the reciprocator shaft between the extended andretracted positions;

FIG. 11C depicts the reciprocator shaft in the retracted position;

FIG. 11D depicts the reciprocator shaft between the extended andretracted positions;

FIG. 11E depicts the reciprocator shaft in the extended position, butafter being rotated relative to FIGS. 11A-11D;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the components associatedwith the rotation of the arm; and

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view with the rotation housing andactuated output rotated to a vertical position (compare to thehorizontal position in FIG. 7).

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or anotherembodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are,references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at leastone of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. Appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutuallyexclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are describedwhich may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly,various requirements are described which may be requirements for someembodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatthe same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification including examples of any termsdiscussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used hereinare merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of thecomponents as shown in the figures. It should be understood that anyorientation of the components described herein is within the scope ofthe present invention.

While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of thedescribed embodiments provide an apparatus, system, and method for areciprocating treatment device.

FIGS. 1-12 show embodiments of a reciprocating treatment device 100.FIGS. 1-4 show the device in schematic form and FIGS. 7-12 show thedevice 100 in more detail.

FIG. 1 depicts a cutaway side view of one embodiment of a reciprocatingtreatment device 100. Reference is also made to FIGS. 7-8. Thereciprocating treatment device 100 includes a housing 101, a power input102, a switch 104, a motor 106, and an actuated output 108. Thereciprocating treatment device 100, in some embodiments, generatesmotion at the actuated output 108 for treating a patient.

The housing 101, in one embodiment, is a structure allowing forconnection of one or more other components of the reciprocatingtreatment device 100. The housing 101 may completely or substantiallyenclose one or more other components. For example, the housing 101 maybe a formed structure with attachment points for other components thatsubstantially encloses one or more of those components when assembled.In another embodiment, the housing 101 may allow other components to beexposed. For example, the housing 101 may be an open frame. In someembodiments, the housing 101 encloses one or more components of thereciprocating treatment device 101 and leaves one or more othercomponents of the reciprocating treatment device 101 exposed.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the housing 101 includes a handle 120. Thehandle 120 defines a handle axis 122 that runs substantially along thelongest dimension of the handle 120. In some embodiments, the handle 120is straight or substantially straight along its longest dimension, andthe handle axis 122 runs through the center or substantially through thecenter of the handle 120. In another embodiment, the handle 120 iscurved along its longest dimension, and the handle axis 122 is tangentto the curvature of the handle 120 at the midpoint of the handle 120. Ina preferred embodiment, the handle 120 has a top surface 120 a that isshaped that it can be ergonomically gripped by a persons palm. Thisprovides comfort for a user when operating the device. See, for example,U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,891, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference, which teaches a fishing reel knob that includes a similarshape that conforms to the user's palm.

The power input 102, in some embodiments, is configured to receive apower input from a power source 114. The power source 114 may be anytype of power source capable of supplying power to the motor 106. In oneembodiment, the power input 102 receives an electrical input from thepower source 114. For example, the power source 114 may be a batterythat provides electrical current. In one embodiment, the battery is arechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the battery is attachable tothe reciprocating treatment device 100 such that the reciprocatingtreatment device 100 including the power source 114 is portable andcordless. In an alternative embodiment, the reciprocating treatmentdevice 100 uses an external battery pack as a power source 114.

The battery may be any type of battery known in the art. For example,the battery may include a rechargeable lithium-ion (LiIon) basedbattery. In another example, the battery may include a rechargeablenickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. In yet another example, the batterymay include a rechargeable lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery. In someembodiments, the battery includes a nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery. Inone embodiment, the battery uses a non-rechargeable battery.

In an alternative embodiment, the power input 102 includes a cord toreceive power from an electrical grid. For example, the reciprocatingtreatment device 100 may include a cord with a plug configured tointerface with a wall socket to provide power.

In another alternative embodiment, the power input 102 isnon-electrical. For example, the power input 102 may receive pressurizedair from a pressure vessel or a network of pressurized air. In anotherembodiment, the power input 102 may include one or more reactivematerials to provide energy for operation of the reciprocating treatmentdevice 100.

The switch 104, in some embodiments, controls delivery of power to themotor 106. The switch 104 may be an electrical switch configured toallow passage of electric current when activated. In some embodiments,the switch 104 is a binary on/off switch. In another embodiment, theswitch 104 is a variable switch. A variable switch controls the amountof power delivered to the motor 106. A relatively high amount of powerdelivered to the motor 106 by the variable switch 104 results in anincreased speed of the motor 106. Are relatively low amount of powerdelivered to the motor 106 by the variable switch 104 results in adecreased speed of the motor 106. In one embodiment, the variable switch104 includes a variable resistor that allows a progressively increasedamount of power to flow to the motor 106 in response to a progressivelyincreasing activation of that switch 104.

In some embodiments, the switch 104 may remain in an activated positionin response to a user releasing the switch 104. In an alternateembodiment, the switch 104 may return to a deactivated position inresponse to a user releasing the switch 104. For example, the switch 104may include a biasing member such as a spring configured to push theswitch 104 to the deactivated position in response to the switch 104being released.

In certain embodiments, the switch 104 includes multiple positions. Forexample, the switch 104 may include an off position, a first activatedposition, and a second activated position. The switch 104 may includeone or more positions in which without additional user input, the switch104 remains in that position, and one or more positions in which withoutadditional user input, the switch 104 is biased to exit that position.

For example, the switch 104 may have an “off” position, an “on”position, and a “turbo” position. The “on” and “turbo” positions mayactivate reciprocation at different rates, such as 2300 cycles perminute in the “on” position and 2800 cycles per minute in the “turbo”position. Upon being set to the “on” position, the switch 104 may remainin the “on” position without requiring the user to maintain contact withthe switch 104. Upon being set to the “turbo” position, the switch 104may be biased to return to the “on” position unless the user maintains aforce on the switch 104 that opposes a return to the “on” position.

The motor 106, in one embodiment, converts power from the power source102 into motion. In some embodiments, the motor 106 is an electricmotor. The electric motor may be any type of electric motor known in theart, including, but not limited to, a brushed motor, a brushless motor,a direct current (DC) motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, amechanical-commutator motor, an electronic commutator motor, or anexternally commutated motor.

In some embodiments, the motor 106 operates at a speed that can bevaried by different levels of activation of the switch 104. For example,the motor 106 may operate at a maximum rate in response to a maximumactivation of the switch 104. The motor 106 may operate at a lower ratein response to a less than maximum activation of the switch 104.

The motor 106 may produce rotary motion. The rotary motion delivered bythe motor 106 may be delivered through a shaft 116. The shaft 116 mayrotate around a shaft axis 126. In some embodiments, the reciprocatingtreatment device 100 may include a linkage to convert the rotary motionof the motor 106 into reciprocating motion. An embodiment of a linkageis shown in greater detail in relation to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 8-10 below.

In an alternative embodiment, the motor 106 may produce reciprocatingmotion. For example, the motor 106 may include a reciprocating pneumaticcylinder that reciprocates in response to an input of compressed air.

The actuated output 108, in some embodiments, reciprocates in responseto an input from the motor 106. For example, the motor 106 may producerotary motion. A gearbox may be connected to the motor 106 to convertthe rotary motion to reciprocating motion. The gearbox may be connectedto the actuated output 108. An embodiment of the gearbox is shown ingreater detail in relation to FIGS. 4 and 8-10 below.

In some embodiments, the actuated output 108 reciprocates at a rate ofapproximately 65 Hz. The actuated output 108, in some embodiments,reciprocates at a rate over 50 Hz. The reciprocating treatment device100, in some embodiments, provides reciprocation at a rate rangingbetween 50 Hz and 80 Hz. In some embodiments, the actuated output 108has a maximum articulation rate of between 50 Hz and 80 Hz. In anotherembodiment, the actuated output 108 has an articulation rate of between30 Hz and 80 Hz. In certain embodiments, the actuated output 108 has anarticulation rate of approximately 37 Hz. In one embodiment, theactuated output 108 has an articulation rate of approximately 60 Hz. Ina preferred embodiment, the actuated output 108 articulates orreciprocates at a frequency of between about 15 Hz and about 100 Hz. Ina more preferred embodiment, the actuated output 108 articulates orreciprocates at a frequency of between about 25 Hz and about 48 Hz. Inthe most preferred embodiment, the actuated output 108 articulates orreciprocates at a frequency of between about 33 Hz and about 42 Hz. Anychosen range within the specified ranges is within the scope of thepresent invention.

The actuated output 108 may move through a predetermined range ofreciprocation. For example, the actuated output 108 may be configured tohave an amplitude of one half inch. In another embodiment, the actuatedoutput 108 may be configured to have an amplitude of one quarter inch.As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the actuated output108 may be configured to have any amplitude deemed therapeuticallybeneficial.

In some embodiments, the actuated output 108 may be adjustable through avariable range of reciprocation. For example, the reciprocatingtreatment device 100 may include an input to adjust the reciprocationamplitude from one quarter of an inch through a range of up to one inch.In a preferred embodiment, the actuated output 108 moves through anamplitude of between about 0.15 inches and about 1.0 inches. In a morepreferred embodiment, the actuated output 108 articulates orreciprocates at a frequency of between about 0.23 inches and about 0.70inches. In the most preferred embodiment, the actuated output 108articulates or reciprocates at a frequency of between about 0.35 inchesand about 0.65 inches. Any chosen range within the specified ranges iswithin the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the device operates most effectively withinthe combined frequency and amplitude ranges. When developing theinvention, the inventor determined that if the frequency and amplitudeare above the ranges set forth above the device can cause pain and belowthe ranges the device is ineffective and does not provide effectivetherapeutic relief or massage. Only when the device operates within thedisclosed combination of frequency and amplitude ranges does it provideefficient and therapeutically beneficial treatment to the musclestargeted by the device.

In certain embodiments, the reciprocating treatment device 100 includesone or more components to regulate the articulation rate of the actuatedoutput 108 in response to varying levels of power provided at the powerinput 102. For example, the reciprocating treatment device 100 mayinclude a voltage regulator (not shown) to provide a substantiallyconstant voltage to the motor 106 over a range of input voltages. Inanother embodiment, the current provided to the motor 106 may beregulated. In some embodiments, operation of the reciprocating treatmentdevice 100 may be restricted in response to an input voltage being belowa preset value.

In some embodiments, the actuated output 108 includes a connector 110for connection of an attachment. In some embodiments, the actuatedoutput 108 includes a securing mechanism 112 for securing an attachmentin the connection socket 110. The connector 110 may be any type ofstructure capable of retaining an attachment, such as a socket with alatch, a threaded connector, or the like.

For example, the securing mechanism 112 may include a biased structure,such as a spring, to bias the securing mechanism 112 toward a lockedposition. In the locked position, the securing mechanism 112 mayrestrict removal of an attachment. The biased structure may bearticulated by a user to move the securing mechanism 112 toward anunlocked position. In the unlocked position, the securing mechanism 112may allow removal of an attachment.

In some embodiments, the securing mechanism 112 includes a keyway tointeract with a key on an attachment. The keyway may be selectivelyopened and closed by articulation of the securing mechanism 112. Removalof an attachment may be restricted in response to the keyway beingclosed.

As shown in FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the connector 110 can be amale connector and can include at least one (and preferably two)outwardly biased ball bearings 110 a that mate with the treatmentstructure 204.

In certain embodiments, the actuated output 108 reciprocates along alinear or substantially linear path. The path traveled by the actuatedoutput 108 defines a reciprocation axis 124. In certain embodiments, thereciprocation axis 124 runs through the geometric center of one or morecomponents of the actuated output 108.

The actuated output 108, in some embodiments, includes a safetyextension 128 between a portion of the housing 101 and a protrudingportion, such as the connection mechanism 112. The safety extension 128provides a region of the actuated output 108 with a substantiallyconstant cross-sectional profile. The safety extension 128 reduces therisk of pinching a body part, such as a finger, as the actuated output108 actuates. The safety extension 128 may be defined as the region ofthe actuated output 108 between any non-reciprocating component, such asthe housing 101, and any component of the actuated output 108 that has arelatively large or extending cross section, such as the connectionmechanism. In one embodiment, the length of the safety extension 128along the reciprocation axis 124, when measured when the actuated output108 is fully retracted, is larger than the width of any of an averageuser's fingers. In some embodiments, the length of the safety extension128 along the reciprocation axis 124, when measured when the actuatedoutput 108 is fully retracted, is at least 18 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the motor 106 is connected to the housing 101 suchthat the shaft rotation axis 126 is parallel to a plane defined by thehandle axis 122 and the reciprocation axis 124. In one embodiment, themotor 106 is connected to the housing 101 such that the shaft rotationaxis 126 is coplanar with a plane defined by the handle axis 122 and thereciprocation axis 124.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the reciprocatingtreatment device 100 of FIG. 1. The reciprocating treatment device 100includes an attachment 202, a treatment structure 204, and a restsurface 206. The reciprocating treatment device 100, in one embodiment,generates reciprocating motion at the treatment structure 204 fortreating a patient.

The attachment 202 may be an interchangeable, user selectable componentthat is connectable to the actuated output 108. The attachment 202 mayinclude a treatment structure 204 designed to interact with a patient.

The rest surface 206 is a surface disposed on the housing 101. The restsurface 206 is configured such that when the reciprocating treatmentdevice 100 has the rest surface 206 placed on a flat, horizontalsurface, the reciprocating treatment device 100 is capable of resting inthat position without application of an external force. In other words,when resting as described above, a line drawn downward from a center ofgravity of the reciprocating treatment device 100 passes through therest surface 206. As used in this paragraph, “downward” refers to adirection in which gravity applies a force to objects having mass.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 8-11E depict views of embodiments of the actuationcomponents 300 for the reciprocating treatment device 100. The actuationcomponents 300 generally include the motor 106, a compliant shaft damper302, a shaft 116 with a shaft gear 117 thereon, a gear member 304, aneccentric interface 306, a reciprocator interface 308, a reciprocatorshaft 310, and an actuated output 108. The motor 106, the shaft 116, andthe actuated output 108 are similar to like-numbered componentsdescribed above in relation to FIG. 1. The actuation components 300create motion that is delivered at the actuated output 108.

In one embodiment, rotary motion is delivered from the motor 106 via theshaft 116 and gear 107. In certain embodiments, the motor 106 isconnected to other components of the actuation components 300 by acompliant shaft damper 302. The compliant shaft damper 302 comprises acompliant material configured to absorb vibration generated by theactuation components 300. The compliant shaft damper 302 may transmitrotary motion generated by the motor 106 while deforming under vibrationloads, thus absorbing or partially absorbing and reducing vibration inthe reciprocating treatment device 100.

The compliant shaft damper 302 may include any material capable ofabsorbing vibration. In some embodiments, the compliant shaft damper 302includes a polymer. For example, the compliant shaft damper 302 mayinclude a flexible polymer. In one example, the compliant shaft damper302 includes polyurethane foam, thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”),including but not limited to Styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s),Polyolefin blends (TPE-o), Elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV),Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic copolyester, orThermoplastic polyamide. In another example, the compliant shaft damper302 may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low durometer PVC, or aurethane.

The gear member 304, in one embodiment, receives rotary motion generatedby the motor 106. In some embodiments, the gear member 304 rotates inresponse to rotation of the motor 106. In one embodiment, the gearmember 304 rotates around a rotation axis 316 that is perpendicular to ashaft rotation axis 126. For example, the gear member 304 may be part ofa bevel gear, a spiral bevel gear, or a hypoid gear. Such gears may havethe effect of rotating an axis of rotation by 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the gear member 304 includes an eccentric interface306. The eccentric interface 306 is disposed on a surface of the gearmember 304 such that it or its center is at a location not on the gearrotation axis 316. In other words, if the gear member 304 is round, theeccentric interface 306 is not disposed at the center of the gear member304.

In response to rotation of the gear member 304 and subsequent motion ofthe eccentric interface 306, the reciprocator interface 308 restrictslinear motion of the eccentric interface 306 relative to thereciprocator interface 308 to a direction perpendicular to both thereciprocation axis 124 and the gear rotation axis 316. In other words,the eccentric interface 306 is free to slide side-to-side within thereciprocator interface 308 as the gear member 304 rotates. Note that thein addition to sliding relative to the reciprocator interface 308, theeccentric interface 306 may rotate.

As shown in FIG. 9, in a preferred embodiment, the eccentric interface306 includes a pin 22 and sleeve 24. The pin 22 is received in anoff-center opening 26 defined in or through the gear member 304. Thesleeve 24 is received in an elongated opening 34 that is defined in anend or head 36 of the reciprocator shaft 310.

The eccentric interface 306, in one embodiment, interfaces with areciprocator interface or containment member 308. The containment member308 contains the head 36 of the reciprocator shaft 310 and defines areciprocation space 38 in which the head 36 of the reciprocator shaft310 and the eccentric interface components 306 can reciprocate. Thecontainment member 308 includes legs 40 that each include an interiorsurface that defines a step 42 therein. The larger dimension between thelegs defines a space for the head 36 to reciprocate and the smallerdimension between the legs defines a space for the sleeve toreciprocate. In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocator shaft 310 isL-shaped or includes an arm portion so that it connects to the actuatedoutput or shaft 108 along the reciprocation axis.

In some embodiments, the effect of the interaction between the eccentricinterface 306 and the reciprocator interface 308 is to convert rotarymotion at the gear member 304 to reciprocating, linear motion at thereciprocator shaft 310. The reciprocator shaft 310 transmitsreciprocating, linear motion to the actuated output 108.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 9, in one embodiment, the gear member 304includes a counterweight 312. The counterweight 312 is configured tooppose inertial forces generated by the reciprocating motion of theactuated output 108. The counterweight 312 may be positioned on the gearmember 304 such that its center of mass 314 is not located along thegear rotation axis 316. In certain embodiments, a first direction fromthe gear rotation axis 316 to the center of mass 314 of thecounterweight 312 may be the opposite direction from a second directionfrom the gear rotation axis 316 to the center of the eccentric interface306. Preferably, the counterweight 312 is located on one side of thegear member 304 and the gear teeth are located on the opposite side. Inanother embodiment, the gear and counterweight can be separate parts.

In some embodiments, as the reciprocating treatment device 100 operates,the counterweight 312 applies at least a component of force in theopposite direction to a reaction force applied to the eccentricinterface 306 by the reciprocator interface 308. In other words, thecounterweight 312 may serve to counteract an inertial force generated byreciprocating components and reduce vibration caused by reciprocalmotion of the actuated output 108.

In some embodiments, the counterweight 312 may be sized to matchreciprocating components of the reciprocating treatment device 100. Forexample, the counterweight 312 may have a mass similar to reciprocatingcomponents, including, for example, the reciprocator shaft 310, theactuated output 108, and an attachment 202. In another embodiment, thecounterweight has a mass between 45 grams and 55 grams.

FIG. 11A shows the reciprocator shaft 310 in the extended position andFIG. 11C shows the reciprocator shaft 310 in the retracted position.FIGS. 11B and 11D show the reciprocator shaft in between the retractedand extended positions. Note how the pin 22 and sleeve 24 (eccentricinterface) move within elongated opening 34 and the containment member308 keeps the head 36 of the reciprocator shaft 310 moving linearly.FIG. 11E shows the reciprocator shaft 310 in the extended position, butafter the rotation assembly 47 has been rotated, as discussed below.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the actuation components 300 include a guidemember 30 that includes a central opening through which the reciprocatorshaft 310 extends. The guide member 30 is housed in the rotation housing44 and remains stationary as the reciprocator shaft moves therein. In apreferred embodiment, the actuation components 300 also include a pin oraxle 16 on which the gear member 304 rotates a bearing 14 and adampening ring 28 for damping the connection between the housing and themetal components.

FIGS. 4 and 8-11E depict embodiments of actuation components 300 of thereciprocating treatment device 100. The actuation components include themotor 106, the gear member 304, the reciprocator shaft 310, one or morecompliant dampening blocks 402 and, a gearbox 404. The actuationcomponents 300 provide reciprocating motion through the reciprocatorshaft 310 and manage vibration transmitted to the housing 101.

The one or more compliant dampening blocks 402 manage vibrationconducted from the actuation components 300 to the housing 101. The oneor more compliant dampening blocks 402 may be disposed between theactuation components 300 and the housing 101.

The one or more compliant dampening blocks 402 may include any materialcapable of absorbing vibration. In some embodiments, the one or morecompliant dampening blocks 402 include a polymer. For example, the oneor more compliant dampening blocks 402 may include a flexible polymer.In one example, the one or more compliant dampening blocks 402 includepolyurethane foam, thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), including but notlimited to Styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), Polyolefin blends (TPE-o),Elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU),Thermoplastic copolyester, or Thermoplastic polyamide. In anotherexample, the one or more compliant dampening blocks 402 may includepolyvinyl chloride (PVC), low durometer PVC, or a urethane.

The gearbox 404, in one embodiment, includes the gear member 304 and thereciprocator 310. The gearbox 404 may provide mounting points for thegear member 304 and the reciprocator 310. The gearbox 404 may restrictthe motion of the gear member 304 and the reciprocator to certaindirections or rotational axes. The gearbox 404 may be mounted to thehousing 101. In some embodiments, the gearbox 404 is separated from thehousing 101 by the one or more compliant dampening blocks 402.

As is shown in FIGS. 11C and 12, in some embodiments, the actuatedoutput 108 and associated components is rotatable relative to thehousing 101. The actuated output 108 may rotate relative to the housing101 around an output rotation axis. In certain embodiments, the outputrotation axis is parallel to the gear rotation axis 316. In oneembodiment, the output rotation axis is concomitant with the gearrotation axis 316. For example, the actuated output 108, thereciprocator 310, and the reciprocator interface 308 may be selectivelyrotatable around the gear rotation axis 316.

In one embodiment, rotation of the actuated output 108 may beselectively locked and unlocked by a user. For example, the user mayunlock rotation of the actuated output 108, rotate the actuated output108 to a desired position relative to the housing 101, lock rotation ofthe actuated output 108, and operate the reciprocating treatment device100.

As shown in FIG. 12 in a preferred embodiment, the rotation assembly 47includes the rotation housing 44 (which includes first and secondrotation housing halves 44 a and 44 b), a button 46 having teeth 48thereon and a spring 18. The gear member 304, reciprocator shaft 310,axle 16, a portion of the gear box 404, and bearing 14 are all housed inthe rotation housing 44. The assembly also includes a gear box cover 56and dampening ring 52. Button 46 is outwardly biased by spring 18 to aposition where teeth 48 are engaged with teeth 50 defined in housing101. The button 46 is movable between a first position where teeth 48are engaged with teeth 50 and a second position where teeth 48 areengaged with teeth 54 in the second rotation housing half 44 b. When thebutton 46 is in the first position, the rotation assembly 47 cannotrotate. When the button is pushed to the second position, the teeth 48disengage from teeth 50 and engage the teeth 54 in the rotation housing44, thereby allowing the entire rotation assembly 47 to rotate. Therotation housing 44 includes a main body portion 62 disposed in thehousing and an arm portion 64 extending through the rotation space 60and outside the housing. The arm portion 64 rotates within the rotationspace 60 defined in the housing 101. It will be appreciated, that whenrotation occurs, gear member 304 and gear box 404 do not rotate (compareFIGS. 11A-11D to FIG. 11E), but the containment member 308 together withthe actuated output 108 do rotate.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart diagram showing one embodiment of a method ofmanufacture of the reciprocating treatment device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowchart diagrams depicting embodiments of a method500 for manufacturing the reciprocating treatment device 100 of FIG. 1and a method 600 of use of the reciprocating treatment device 100 ofFIG. 1. The methods 500, 600 are, in certain embodiments, methods of useof the system and apparatus described herein, and will be discussed withreference to those figures. Nevertheless, the methods 500, 600 may alsobe conducted independently thereof and are not intended to be limitedspecifically to the specific embodiments discussed above with respect tothose figures.

As shown in FIG. 5, a method of manufacture 500 for a reciprocatingtreatment device 100 is shown. In one embodiment of the method ofmanufacture 500, a housing 101 is provided 502. The housing 101 mayinclude a handle 120 and the handle 120 may define a handle axis 122. Amotor 106 is connected 504 to the housing 101. The motor 106 may providerotary motion.

In some embodiments, an actuated output 108 is operably connected 506 tothe motor 106. The actuated output 108 may reciprocate in response toactivation of the motor 106. Reciprocation of the actuated output 108may be along a reciprocation axis 124.

In some embodiments, the motor 106 includes a shaft 116. The shaft 116may rotate around a shaft rotation axis 126. The shaft rotation axis 126may be parallel to a plane in which the handle axis 122 and thereciprocation axis 124 are located.

As shown in FIG. 6, a method of use 600 for a reciprocating treatmentdevice 100 is shown. In one embodiment of the method of use 600, a forceis applied 602 to a body part by an actuated output 108 of thereciprocal treatment device 100. The reciprocal treatment device 100 mayinclude a housing 101. The housing 101 may include a handle 120 disposedon the housing 101. The handle 120 may define a handle axis 122.

The reciprocal treatment device 100 may also include a motor 106connected to the housing 101. An actuated output 108 may be operablyconnected to the motor 106. The actuated output 108 may be configured toreciprocate in response to activation of the motor 106. Reciprocation ofthe actuated output 108 may be along a reciprocation axis 124.

The motor 106 may include a shaft 116 having a shaft rotation axis 126.The shaft rotation axis 126 may be parallel to a plane in which thehandle axis 122 and the reciprocation axis 124 are located.

Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and describedin a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may bealtered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse orderor so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part,concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructionsor sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in anintermittent and/or alternating manner.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed inseries, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel,or may be performed, at different times. Further any specific numbersnoted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employdiffering values or ranges.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples:alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements orranges. It will be appreciated that any dimensions given herein are onlyexemplary and that none of the dimensions or descriptions are limitingon the present invention.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the abovedescription describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, anddescribes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the aboveappears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details ofthe system may vary considerably in its implementation details, whilestill being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”). Accordingly,the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filingthe application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspectsof the disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A massage device comprising, a housing, an electrical input, a motor, a switch in electrical communication with the electrical input and the motor, the switch configured to selectively provide power from the electrical input to the motor, an actuated output operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor, and a treatment structure operatively connected to a distal end of the actuated output, wherein the actuated output is configured to reciprocate the treatment structure at a frequency of between about 15 Hz and about 100 Hz, and at an amplitude of between about 0.15 and about 1.0 inches, and wherein the combination of amplitude and frequency provides efficient reciprocation of the treatment structure such that the treatment structure provides therapeutically beneficial treatment to a targeted muscle of a user.
 2. The massage device of claim 1 wherein the motor is configured to rotate a shaft having a shaft gear thereon about a shaft rotation axis, wherein the housing includes a gear member disposed therein that is operatively engaged with the shaft gear and rotates about a gear rotation axis, wherein the actuated output is operatively connected to the gear member, and wherein rotational motion of the shaft is converted to reciprocating motion of the actuated output through the engagement of the shaft gear and the gear member.
 3. The massage device of claim 2 wherein the gear rotation axis is perpendicular to the shaft rotation axis, wherein an eccentric interface is disposed on the gear member at a location other than the gear rotation axis,
 4. The massage device of claim 3 further comprising a reciprocator shaft operatively connected to the eccentric interface, and a containment member, wherein a head of the reciprocator shaft is contained by the containment member to restrict motion of the reciprocator shaft to a linear motion that is perpendicular to the gear rotation axis.
 5. The massage device of claim 3 wherein the gear member comprises a counterweight disposed on the gear member, and wherein the center of mass of the counterweight is not on the gear rotation axis.
 6. The massage device of claim 4 wherein the head of the reciprocator shaft includes an elongated opening therein, wherein the eccentric interface comprises a pin, and wherein the pin is configured to move within the elongated opening as the gear member rotates.
 7. The massage device of claim 1 further comprising a rotation housing, wherein the housing includes a rotation space defined therein, wherein the rotation housing includes a main body portion disposed in the housing and an arm portion extending through the rotation space and outside the housing, wherein the actuated output extends outwardly from the arm portion, and wherein the rotation housing can rotate within the rotation space between a plurality of positions.
 8. The massage device of claim 7 further comprising a button extending outwardly from the housing that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the button includes a plurality of teeth members, wherein the housing includes a plurality of first teeth spaces defined therein, wherein the rotation housing includes a plurality of second teeth spaces defined therein, wherein when the button is in the first position the teeth members engage the first teeth spaces and the rotation housing cannot rotate, and wherein when the button is in the second position the teeth members engage the second teeth spaces and the rotation housing can rotate.
 9. A reciprocating treatment device comprising: a housing, a handle disposed on the housing, the handle having a handle axis, a motor disposed in the housing, and an actuated output operably connected to the motor, the actuated output configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor, wherein reciprocation is along a reciprocation axis, wherein the motor comprises a shaft having a shaft rotation axis, and wherein the shaft rotation axis lies in a plane defined by the handle axis and the reciprocation axis.
 10. The reciprocating treatment device of claim 9, further comprising a gearbox to convert rotary motion from the shaft to reciprocal motion at the actuated output.
 11. The reciprocating treatment device of claim 10, wherein the gearbox comprises: a gear member comprising: a gear rotation axis perpendicular to the shaft rotation axis, and an eccentric interface disposed on the gear member at a location other than the gear rotation axis, a reciprocator shaft operatively connected to the eccentric interface, and a reciprocator interface configured to restrict linear motion of the reciprocator shaft to a direction parallel to the reciprocation axis and perpendicular to the gear rotation axis.
 12. The reciprocating treatment device of claim 11, wherein the gear member comprises a counterweight disposed on the gear member, and wherein the center of mass of the counterweight is not on the gear rotation axis.
 13. The reciprocating treatment device of claim 9 wherein the actuated output is selectively rotatable relative to the housing around an output rotation axis. 